CLINDAMYCIN

Drug Name: CLINDAMYCIN

CLINDAMYCIN DESCRIPTION:
CLINDAMYCIN - TOPICAL (klin-duh-MY sin)

COMMON CLINDAMYCIN BRAND NAME(S):
Cleocin T, Clinda-Derm

CLINDAMYCIN SIDE EFFECTS:
CLINDAMYCIN may cause dry, scaly or peeling skin, irritation or oiliness of the skin. Contact your doctor if diarrhea or stomach pain occur. Do not take any anti-diarrhea medications. If skin rash, itching, redness or other irritation not present before using CLINDAMYCIN occurs, notify your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE CLINDAMYCIN:
CLINDAMYCIN: CLINDAMYCIN must be used as directed. Clean and dry the affected area before applying the medication. Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin. If this occurs, rinse well with running water. Don't use more often than prescribed.

CLINDAMYCIN WARNING:
CLINDAMYCIN should be used only for serious infections because severe, even fatal, intestinal problems (pseudomembranous colitis) can occur. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain, or blood/mucous in your stool. Your doctor will decide if you require other treatment. These symptoms may occur weeks after stopping use of CLINDAMYCIN. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have these symptoms. These products may make the symptoms worse. Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are using this medication.

CLINDAMYCIN USES:
An antibiotic used to treat acne.

CLINDAMYCIN PRECAUTIONS:
Although unlikely, clindamycin has been reported to be absorbed through the skin in certain individuals. Therefore, before using CLINDAMYCIN, tell your doctor if you have had colitis or any gastrointestinal disease, liver or kidney disease or an allergic reaction to clindamycin. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors.

CLINDAMYCIN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Before you use CLINDAMYCIN, tell your doctor about any other drugs you are taking, including nonprescription drugs. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

CLINDAMYCIN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

CLINDAMYCIN NOTES:
CLINDAMYCIN has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.

MISSED CLINDAMYCIN DOSE:
If you should miss a dose of CLINDAMYCIN, apply it as soon as remembered. If you do not remember until it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.

CLINDAMYCIN STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight.